Arrah
The City State of Norvos
Crown Jewel of Albion, and the former capital of the Empire of Anselm, Milesia has stood proud for over one millennium. Its canals and domed buildings are famed for their beauty across the realm, and many merchants who have made their fortune come to retire here. Most goods and services have their prices measured in gold rather than copper and silver, and only Enetia outranks it today in opulence.
Its harbour gates and city walls are not only a measure of defence, but also a beacon of its might. White marble and expensive tilework adorn many public buildings here, and colourful festivals are held year-round throughout its crowded streets.
Although there is no doubt that Milesia is certainly a city for the wealthy, creative individuals, or those skilled in a trade, it is also a hive for less scrupulous members of society. A city so large and bustling makes it a target for thieves, smugglers, gangs, and other sorts to operate. Throughout the cities history many thieves guilds and smuggling rings have risen and fallen.
Government
Norvos is a city lead by the wealthy. The Council of Four is the governing body of Norvos, its members consisting of four powerful individuals elected for life. The Parliament of Peers is an advisory council that holds governance over Norvos, and are responsible for submitting official recommendations, regarding a myriad of civil issues, to the Dukes of the Council of Four. In addition, they are entrusted to elect new Dukes to the council that hold the utmost authority within the city.
Defences
Historically speaking, Norvos is naturally well-defended by its location in a natural inlet, and the great wall that was erected under the orders of Anslem during the cities founding. However, its security these days is often attributed to its political neutrality and the world-view of its leadership. While the city remains dedicated to the termination of threats which jeopardise trade and commerce in Albion, it refuses to involve itself with the region's political conflicts.
Defence of the Upper City fell under the responsibility of the Watch, the constables who enforced the laws of the city's patriar noble class. The rest of the city is policed by members of the Flaming Fist. Many officers within the Fist are "retired" adventurers and its highest rank of Marshal, is by tradition, one of the Grand Dukes.
Guilds and Factions
Norvos is home to many guilds of a widely varied type. In fact the city sponsors nearly 90 professional guilds, from seafarers and financiers from the Upper City, to loremasters, brewmasters, metalworkers and nearly every skilled tradesperson in between.
Other major factions of note include:
- The Flaming Fist - The Mercenery company based in Norvos which acts as the city guards also. It's leader is the Grand Duke of Norvos.
- The Golden Leaves - A stringent and unforgiving merchants guild.
- The Freeman's Guild - An adventuring guild focusing on exploration, charting, and securing of dungeons. It's headquarters is within the city.
Geography
The city is located on the south-eastern tip of the continent of Albion, separated from the Isle of Ascia by the Sea of Norvos. To the west across Bluewater Bay is the Kingdom of Bassano, and north lies the Kingdom of Livonia.
The region surrounding Norvos receives an abundance of drizzling rain and sleet with frequent-occurring fog that rolls through the city's streets. This excessive precipitation is well-mitigated with an advanced water system where underground basins collected the run off rainwater, manoeuvring it through subterranean aqueducts that are emptied into massive cistern beneath the Temples District.
Despite the city's engineering and cleanliness, this continual rain does led to regular growth of mildew accompanied by a musky smell that permeates the city's cellars. To abate the slippery stone streets, it is sometimes necessary to spread straw or gravel along the wet cobblestone.
A View of the City
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